Shrubs for shade, it’s always a problem. Here are some suggestions.
Q. What kind of light little do little lamb hydrangeas and rhododendrons need…the area I have in mind is relatively shaded.
-Brighton, Massachusetts
A. Both the Hydrangea and the Rhododendron can be grown in conditions from full sun to about half shade, and still bloom. In dense shade, growth will be long, lanky and weak, and the blooms very sparse. If I was locked into that site and had to have these plants, I’d clear a few trees or do some high limbing to increase the light.
-Denny Blew, CenterPeace Plants
Bridgeton, New Jersey
A. Both rhododendrons and the Little Lamb Hydrangea will grow in shade. Depending on how much shade, the plant characteristics can vary. For example, a Little Lamb Hydrangea in deep shade will grow and have leaves, but will most likely not flower as strong and be as full as a plant in morning sun/afternoon shade.
Rhododendrons can vary on blooming characteristics in shade depending on the actual variety.
-Todd A. Efing, Van Putte Gardens
Rochester, New York
And yet another answer!
A. Rhododendrons can take a lot of shade but will become leggy. After a few years, prune them to make them bush out. Because winter sun and wind dries them out, plant on the east side of the house if possible.
Little Lamb hydrangeas need at least half a day of sun. For shade, you would do better to plants Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ which blooms very well in shade. They can become quite tall so cut back to the base each spring.
-Bobbie Schwartz, Bobbie’s Green Thumb
Shaker Heights, Ohio
